The Issue Is

319: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Nov. 2023

This week, a special edition of "The Issue Is," as Elex Michaelson works out at the iconic Gold's Gym with former California Governor, Mr. Olympia, and all-around superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger.

317: Alex Padilla, Laphonza Butler

Elex Michaelson is joined by both of California's Senators, Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler.

315: Nancy Pelosi, Young Kim

This week, Rep. Kevin McCarthy became the first House Speaker to be ousted by his own conference. Elex sat down with Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Congresswoman Young Kim (R-CA) to get their reactions.

313: Dan Schnur, Lynn Vavreck

This week, Dan Schnur and Lynn Vavreck look ahead to 2024.

312: Doug Burgum

Elex is joined in studio by North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. Burgum, a Republican, talks energy and China policies, basketball, as well as how he plans to break-through in a primary field dominated by Former President Trump, currently leading the ...

310: Bob Shrum, Melanie Mason, Toni Atkins

This week on "The Issue Is," Elex Michelson is joined by the all-start political panel of legendary Democratic strategist Bob Shrum and Politico writer Melanie Mason. Next, Michaelson is joined by California Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins.

308: Vivek Ramaswamy, Bret Baier

This week on "The Issue Is," Elex Michaelson looks ahead to the 2024 Presidential election.

306: Juju Smith-Schuster, Anthony Munoz, Marquise Lee

304: Jen Siebel Newsom, Alex Padilla, David Ambroz

This week on "The Issue Is," Elex Michaelson sits down with California's first partner Jen Siebel Newsom to discuss California's efforts to address childhood mental health, California Senator Alex Padilla on his legislation to help workers from heat-related injuries, and ...

302: Marianne Williamson

Democratic Presidential Candidate Marianne Williamson joins Elex in The Issue Is.

300: Isaac Bryan, Jessica Naziri, Katie Roof

This week on “The Issue Is,” the newest power players in the worlds of social media and California politics.

298: Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, Matt Friend

This week on “The Issue Is,” Elex Michaelson sits down with outgoing California Assemblyman Anthony Rendon to discuss his tenure as Speaker, his relationship with his successor, education funding, homelessness, and his future. Then, comedian Matthew Friend and his repertoire ...

296: Rep. Barbara Lee; Tomi Lahren vs. Ethan Bearman debate

This week, Elex is joined by Rep. Barbara Lee as she discusses voting against the proposed debt ceiling deal. Also this week, a debate between Conservative commentator Tomi Lahren and Progressive attorney Ethan Bearman.

294: Chasten Buttigieg, Bill Melugin, Rep. Adam Schiff

Chasten Buttigieg talks about his latest book, coming out, the fight over trans rights and more. Bill Melugin of FOX News talks about his time at the U.S.-Mexico border and the end of Title 42, and Rep. Adam Schiff discusses ...

292: The Issue Is: Gavin Newsom on show's 5th anniversary

This week, “The Issue Is” celebrates our fifth anniversary. To mark the occasion, FOX 11’s Elex Michaelson is joined, once again, by the show’s very first guest: California Governor Gavin Newsom.

290: Mike Pence, Arnold Schwarzenegger, stars of 'Star Trek: Picard'

This week, one of the most star-studded episodes in “The Issue Is” history, an episode that takes us from the streets of Brentwood to the halls of power in Washington D.C. to the deepest corners of space, the final frontier.

288: Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Congressman Adam Schiff

Elex Michaelson is joined on "The Issue Is" by Speaker McCarthy - the two talking at the Reagan Presidential Library shortly after the Taiwanese President’s visit. Also joining Michaelson this week is California Congressman Adam Schiff (D.).

286: Karen Bass reflects on 100 days in office

With 100 days now behind her, LA Mayor Karen Bass discusses her progress, and lessons learned, in the fight against homelessness, as well as against rising crime.

284: California storms and the 95th Academy Awards

This week on The Issue Is we talk about the recent California storms and potential flood dangers with Karla Nemeth, then the 95th Academy Awards takes the spotlight as Variety’s Elizabeth Wagmeister and Steve Mason, host of the “Culture Pop” ...

283: Mayor Todd Gloria

Elex Michaelson sits down with San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria during USC’s Herb Klein Lecture Series in La Jolla.

281: George Clooney

This week, an exclusive conversation with George Clooney. In 2022, the Oscar-winning filmmaker helped establish the Roybal Film and Television Production Magnet School at the Edward R. Roybal Learning Center in Los Angeles. The program, a public-private partnership aims to ...

280: Bob Costas, Feb. 2023

This week on "The Issue Is," politics takes a backseat, and sports reigns supreme, as Elex Michaelson is joined in-studio by legendary broadcaster Bob Costas.

278: Adam Schiff, Gavin Newsom, Jennifer Siebel Newsom

This week, Elex spoke with Rep. Adam Schiff, who gave his first TV interview since announcing his run for Senate. Governor Gavin Newsom discusses recent mass shooting in California and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom talks youth mental heath and ...

276: George Clooney, Alex Padilla, Katie Porter

This week, Elex is joined by Senator Alex Padilla to discuss California's deadly storms and the crisis at the border. Congresswoman Katie Porter discusses her run for Senate and her viral moment during the House Speaker race. Hollywood icon George ...

274: Adam Schiff, Dec. 2022

As 2022 comes to an end, and Americans celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and the holidays with family - there was no break from political news.